Center Theatre Players present ‘Man of La Mancha’ in Rochester
by themoneyoffice2.com@gmail.com April 15, 2024 · Theatre
ROCHESTER ― A quite possible dream comes true this week, when Center Theatre Players presents “Man of La Mancha” at the Sandy Reigel Theatre.
“It’s been 20 years since CTP first presented ‘Man of La Mancha’ at Penn State Beaver,” the Rochester theater’s namesake director, Sandy Reigel, said. “I have wanted to stage it again at our theater in Rochester. It is perfect for this kind of musical.”
The famed musical takes place during the time of the Spanish Inquisition and the setting is a prison. Through the imagination of novelist Miguel Cervantes, from whom the story is drawn, the theater’s intimate space becomesseveral different settings within the prison.
“Although many consider the story of Don Quixote a serious work, there are quite a few comedic moments in the show,” Reigel said. “Sancho Panzo, played by Jason Fernandez, delivers many of the humorous lines. At times the show can be quite lighthearted.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. April 18-20 in the lovingly renovated theater at 350 Adams St., Rochester. Tickets cost $17, available at showclix.com/event/ctp-man-of-la-mancha or calling 724-888-7054.
Along with Fernadez, of Beaver Falls, the cast includes Max Levine (Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote) and Hannah Starcher (Aldonza/Dulcina) both of Pittsburgh; Jeff Hall (Governor/Innkeeper) of Center Township; Ben Simon (The Duke/Dr. Carrasco) of Chippewa Township; John Coladonato (Padre) of Center; Scott Thompson (Barber) of Mars; Lindsay Malloy (Antonia) of Beaver; Cynthia Harding (Housekeeper) of Cranberry Township; Alex Hazen (Pedro) of Ellwood City; Mikey Schrum (Anselmo) of Center; Billy Saunders (Jose) of Pittsburgh; Aaron Shanor (Paco) of Rochester; Simon Burkhammer (Tenorio) of Center; Leanne Nagle (Maria) of Beaver; Hannah Brooks (Fermina/Moorish Dancer) of New Brighton; Rachel Mattica (Prisoner) of New Brighton and Tom Bickert (Captain of the Inquisition) of Ellwood City.
Director Reigel, of Center, is joined by choreographer Nicole Spencer of Peters Township, stage manager Julie Schmidt of Center, assistant stage manager Noelle Kramer of Center and orchestra conductor Christine Lucas of Cranberry.“As always, CTP will be using a live orchestra comprised of local musicians, many who are current or former music teachers from the area,” Reigel said. “Although we are unable to use a full orchestra due to space, we will still be able to give the music that Spanish flavor.”
Reigel said “the inspirational, uplifting, and hopeful message” is what she enjoys most about the show. The central anthem is the beloved “Impossible Dream.”
“Max Levine, our Don Quixote, has the task of performing one of the most famous songs in musical theaterhistory. He puts a lot of passion into the vocals and the delivery, which makes the song someaningful for his character,” Reigel said.
“I tell the cast that although the ending may seem a little sad, it really is all about hope andthe responsibility of each and every person to try and make the world a better place.”
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Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.
